Pakistani Navy Frigate on goodwill visit to Sri Lanka
[TamilNet, Tuesday, 21 March 2006, 11:30 GMT]
A Pakistan Navy Frigate will call on Colombo port on March 23 on a good will mission. During its 3-dy visit, the PNS Shahjahan will take part in joint exercises with the Sri Lanka navy (SLN) and the Commander of the ship will meet senior officials of the Sri Lankan navy to strengthen professional linkages between the two forces, a press release issued by the High Commission of Pakistan Tuesday said.
Besides conducting joint exercises to improve their professional skills, the soldiers of the two navy will participate in several social events, diplomatic sources said. Fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, PNS Shahjahan is operated by expertly trained and resolutely devoted officers and men. Besides sharing their experiences with their counterparts in the Sri Lankan navy, Shahjahan officers will receive journalists, school children, diplomats and other visitors on board to familiarize them with the thrills and challenges of their day to day life of the Navy. Sri Lanka and Pakistan have very close political and economic ties. The defense forces have a long history of mutual trust and goodwill. The exchange of visits between the two defense forces and their interaction at all tiers of professional level is a major contributor towards enhancing this trust. “We have proved to be trusted partners both in good times as well as crises,” says the High Commissioner of Pakistan. PNS Shahjahan derives her name from the 5th Mughal King who ruled India form 1658 to 1672 AD. He is known for his deep sense of justice and patronage of art; Taj Mahal in Agra, and Shalimar Garden at Lahore being the finest expressions of his taste. Shahjahan’s arrival coincides with the Pakistan Day and the High Commission has planned a flag hoisting ceremony on board this naval ship. The ship will leave for Pakistan on March 26, the release said.
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